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This Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk recipe is a fragrant, seafood lover’s dream, combining tender shrimp with a creamy coconut garlic sauce. Quick to make in just 20 minutes, it’s light yet full of flavor, with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements. The dish is ideal for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, especially when paired with rice or noodles to soak up the rich sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1.1 lbs shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 yellow onion (diced)
1 can (14 oz) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp honey
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (more for serving)
Chili flakes (for serving)
Freshly cracked black pepper (for serving)

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, combine shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir to coat, then set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 minute per side. Once cooked, remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add ¾ of the coconut milk and mix. In a small bowl, combine the remaining coconut milk with cornstarch, then add to the skillet. Stir in fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.
Finish the Dish:
Stir in chopped cilantro, then return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat and simmer for an additional 1 minute until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or fish sauce if desired.
Serve:
Garnish with more cilantro, chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.

Nutrients

Calories: 184 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 208mg
Sodium: 1085mg
Potassium: 392mg
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 341 IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 94mg
Iron: 1mg

Why Shrimp for This Dish?

Shrimp is an excellent choice for this dish because it cooks quickly, soaking up the vibrant flavors of the coconut milk and seasoning. The tender, juicy shrimp provides a satisfying contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. It also works well with the subtle sweetness of coconut milk, which allows the garlic, lime, and fish sauce to shine through.

Additionally, shrimp is an easy protein to work with, and its versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of dishes. In this recipe, the shrimp is perfectly seared, locking in its natural sweetness, and then gently simmered in the coconut garlic sauce to enhance the flavor. The result is shrimp that’s both succulent and flavorful, balancing the creaminess of the sauce and the savory spices.

The Flavor Profile of the Coconut Garlic Sauce

The coconut garlic sauce is the heart of this dish, bringing together a variety of bold flavors in a silky, creamy base. The use of unsweetened coconut milk is key, as it creates a rich sauce without being overly sweet. The garlic, onion, and fish sauce form the savory foundation of the sauce, while honey adds a subtle touch of sweetness. Lime juice brings a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness, making every bite perfectly balanced.

Fish sauce adds an essential umami depth, amplifying the overall flavor of the dish without overpowering the shrimp. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

How to Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

The shrimp are cooked quickly in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil, ensuring they develop a golden, crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Searing the shrimp on high heat for just 1 minute on each side locks in their flavor and texture, making them the perfect vehicle for the coconut garlic sauce.

It’s important to avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once they’re seared and cooked through, they are set aside while the sauce is prepared. After the sauce has thickened, the shrimp are added back to the skillet, allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce for an additional minute.

The Creamy Coconut Sauce: A Delicious, Quick Base

The key to the creamy coconut garlic sauce lies in the combination of coconut milk and cornstarch. The cornstarch thickens the sauce just enough to give it a silky texture that coats the shrimp and the rice or noodles beautifully. The sauce is simmered briefly to allow the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that’s rich and satisfying without feeling heavy.

The beauty of this dish is that the sauce requires minimal time to come together, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. Once the garlic and onions are softened, the sauce is ready to simmer, and the shrimp is quickly added back in to heat through. This makes for a fast, flavorful meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Balancing the Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Elements

The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is what makes Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk such an irresistible dish. The sweetness of the coconut milk and honey works perfectly with the saltiness of the fish sauce, while the acidity of the lime juice brightens the overall flavor.

To add an extra layer of heat, chili flakes are sprinkled on top just before serving. This provides a bit of spice without overwhelming the dish, allowing the coconut and garlic flavors to remain front and center. You can easily adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference, ensuring that the dish suits your taste.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways, depending on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Here are a few great serving suggestions:

Over Rice: The creamy coconut sauce is perfect for spooning over a bed of rice. Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even brown rice work well to soak up the sauce and provide a hearty base for the shrimp.
With Noodles: For a slightly different twist, serve the shrimp and coconut sauce over cooked noodles, such as rice noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti. The noodles absorb the sauce beautifully, making each bite a satisfying experience.
With a Side Salad: To add some freshness and crunch, serve the dish with a simple side salad of mixed greens or a cucumber salad. The lightness of the salad complements the richness of the shrimp and coconut milk, creating a well-balanced meal.
As an Appetizer: If you’re serving this dish as an appetizer, consider pairing it with crusty bread to dip into the flavorful sauce, making it a great starter for a dinner party or casual gathering.

Customization Options for Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

One of the best things about Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies to increase the heat. You can also substitute the chili flakes with a dash of hot sauce for a different type of heat.
Dairy-Free: While this dish is already dairy-free (since it uses coconut milk), you can further adjust it by using olive oil for all the fat, ensuring a dairy-free version if needed.
Add Veggies: For an extra burst of color and nutrients, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or baby corn. These can be sautéed with the garlic and onion, making the dish even more vibrant and nutritious.
Other Proteins: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this recipe can easily be adapted with other proteins, such as chicken or tofu, though shrimp’s quick cook time and delicate flavor make it the perfect choice.

Nutritional Information

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk is a nutrient-dense dish, offering a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Each serving contains 184 calories, with 26g of protein from the shrimp. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates (5g), making it a great choice for those on lower-carb diets. The 7g of fat primarily comes from healthy fats in coconut milk and olive oil, while the shrimp provides additional protein and nutrients.

While the dish is rich in flavor, it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and calcium. The cilantro adds an extra dose of vitamin C, while the dish is high in iron due to the shrimp.

Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk is the ultimate combination of ease, flavor, and elegance. With its fragrant, creamy coconut garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and subtle heat from chili flakes, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or enjoying a quick weeknight meal, this dish is packed with deliciousness in every bite. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you have a meal that’s both satisfying and luxurious—perfect for any seafood lover!

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